Lifeson says he's thriving in the low pressure of other artists' projects.

"I get to be as creative as I want to be and I can work a little outside of the box, which is really attractive to me."

As for Rush, Lifeson reiterated what's been said many times before: the band has no plans to return.

"It's been a little over two years since Rush last toured," he says. "We have no plans to tour or record any more. We're basically done. After 41 years, we felt it was enough."

But Lifeson isn't just working with a guitar in his hands; he's also taken to writing a column for a new monthly publication called West End Phoenix in his hometown of Toronto, Canada.

Last April, Lifeson said he's been writing music constantly and added that he was toying with the idea of making a solo album. He even said he felt like the band would do something together again, though it wasn't clear whether that meant recording, touring or simply collaborating on reissues or other Rush-related projects.

In August, rumors began swirling that Lifeson and Rush bassist and singer Geddy Lee were collaborating on a new music project. And while management shot down the speculation, many fans still believe that Lifeson and Lee will work together again.

Rush's drummer Neil Peart was believed to be the primary reason the band called it quits.